PLAYERS Jan. 31, 2003
Tennis Legend Michael Chang Celebrates Career with '03 Farewell Tour
Chang kicks off his farewell tour in San Jose.
Former French Open Champion and tennis legend Michael Chang, will be
ceremoniously honored at each tournament he plays during his final year
on the ATP circuit, beginning with the Siebel Open in San Jose on February 10.
Each tournament, its staff, sponsors and fans, will pay tribute and celebrate
Chang's memorable career with a special presentation on the first evening of
the tournament. Respective ceremonies will include a video highlight
encapsulating his tournament history and overall career, a presentation to
the Chang family and his personal final remarks.
CHANG'S 2003 SCHEDULE
Week Event
February 10 San Jose
February 17 Memphis
March 10 Indian Wells
March 17 Miami
April 21 Houston (tent.)
May 26 Roland Garros
June 23 Wimbledon
July 21 Indianapolis (tent.)
July 28 Los Angeles
August 11 Cincinnati
August 25 US Open
"I am very excited to be playing this year as part of a farewell tour and
personally being able to express my gratitude to everyone involved in each
of these events," said Chang. "I have been truly blessed my entire life,
both personally and professionally, and words cannot even begin to express
my feelings. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank all of you who
have supported me throughout my career. I am forever grateful."
"Michael Chang is, and will always be, one of the greatest ambassadors
tennis has ever known," said Tom Ross, senior vice president of Chang's
management company, Octagon. "He has knocked down barriers to open doors
in the sport from America to Asia and been an inspiration worldwide. Tennis
will miss him."
During his 15-year career, Chang has captured more than 650 singles matches
and earned more than $19 million in prize money. As the first and only
Asian-American to eclipse the top-10 world rankings, he owns 34 singles
titles, including the 1989 French Open Championship. In total, he has
participated in 55 Grand Slam tournaments - the most of any active player
on Tour - and third all-time behind Jimmy Connors (58) and Ivan Lendl (57).
Chang is still the youngest male to win a match at the U.S. Open and
Wimbledon.
While his professional tennis career comes to a close, Chang will far from
be "retired". He will continue to impact the international community as a
tennis ambassador and through his active participation in the Chang Family
Foundation. A newly found author, Chang recently released his first book,
Holding Serve, and remains open to future inspirational-based writings and
speaking engagements
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※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.csie.ntu.edu.tw)
◆ From: 61.64.102.47
※ 編輯: establish 來自: 61.64.102.47 (02/03 11:47)